|
|
|
Rai scrambled the pictures; it was a stupid time and hardly anybody bothered to turn up at the Tardini either (despite the school kids being given free tickets). What's more, nobody in the wide world of Parma fans seemed to be in the slightest bit bothered about this match!!
So, we won, but it was some almighty struggle. I suppose that we could use the fact that we have injuries aplenty as some sort of excuse, but they just seem to be so lackadaisical somehow. The worst bit of the entire game though, was when Fabio came on for Baggio at the beginning of the second half and all the girls "screamed". I found that stomach-churningly awful!! :) Well, actually, I suppose the worst part of the game was injuries (yet more) inflicted to Montano and Di Vaio. Rather (very) worrying seeing as we have Milan to contend with on Sunday. We won this game, but it's not going to be easy at the Swarzenneger stadium.
Here is a picture of Di Vaio celebrating his goal in his usual abstract manner - and there follows a little of how the official site saw this game (sorry, to copy this, official site, [I usually copy Eurosport, but I can't get through to them this morning!] but I was desperate - thanks anyway!)
THE TALISMANIC MARCO DI VAIO
Thus a satisfied Alberto Malesani after seeing Parma prevail over Austrian outfit Sturm Graz in their UEFA Cup 3rd round, first leg tie: "It's a great result for the whole team, but let's hope it is not spoilt by the injury to Di Vaio." The latter declared: "We did well because we never gave up hope of pinching it." And Malesani responded to recent criticism saying: "Is this a Parma of Serie B standard? The result clearly says otherwise"
and
UGLY BUT EFFECTIVE
It was a tight and muscular encounter between Parma and Sturm Graz in the first leg of their third round tie in the UEFA Cup, but the Gialloblù did manage to score their 25th consecutive game unbeaten in Europe (if you discount pre-qualifying for the Champion League). 2-1 in favour of the home side was tonight’s result at the Tardini, with goals from Di Vaio and Stanic. The Austrians pulled one back with Schopp. Not such good news were the injuries that forced Montano and Di Vaio off the pitch in the second half.
Teams and things
Parma (3-4-3): Buffon 7, Lassissi 6, Torrisi 6.5, Thuram 6, Breda 5, Longo 6 (11' st Sartor 6), Baggio 5.5 (15' st Cannavaro 6), Walem 5, Montano 6 (31' st Ortega 6), Stanic 7, Di Vaio 6.5. (12 Guardalben, 7 Fuser, 18 Maini, 9 Crespo). Coach: Alberto Malesani 7.
Sturm Graz (3-5-2): Schicklgruber 6, Foda 5.5, Milanic 5.5 (31'st Strafner), Neukirchner 6 (11' st Feldhofer 5.5), Schopp 7, Mahlich 6.5, Prilasnig 6, Martens 6.5, Minavand 5.5, Vastic 6.5, Kocijan 6 (39' st Reinmayr). (1 Sidorczuk, 2 Bochtler, 17 Angibeaud, 19 Szabics). Coach: Ivica Osim 6.
Referee: Gallagher (Eng) 6.
Corners: 5-2 for Parma.
Yellow cards: Montano, Sartor, Prilasnig, Mahlich, Neukirchner.
Sent off: Martens on 86 minutes for a foul on Di Vaio (last man).
Crowd: 8,000
